The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occasions. The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of light shine splendidly. It is a picturesque image bewitching everybody and embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spiritual solace to the entire devotees. This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning. That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns there late in the morning.
KIZHUKKAVU TEMPLE
On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple. The idol facing westward is believed to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar. After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m. every night. Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia. An ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the north-eastern side of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.
Chottanikkara Temple – Pooja Timing
MORNING
Opening of Sanctum, Sanctorum, Nirmalyam 4.00AM
Sivadhara 5.00 AM to 11.00 AM
Ethritu Pooja 5.30 AM to 6.00 AM
Seeveli 6.00 AM
Kizhukkavu Guruthy Nivedyam 7.30 AM
Panthiradi Pooja 7.30 AM to 8.00 AM
Ucha Pooja 12.00 PM
Ucha Seeveli 12.10 PM
EVENING
Opening of Sanctum, Sanctorum 4.00 PM
Deeparadhana 6.30 PM
Athaza Pooja 7.30 PM
Seeveli 8.00 PM
Kizhukkavu Valiya Guruthy 8.30 PM
Festivals at Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple
" MAKOM Thozhal " (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March)
Chingam - Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all
Kanni - Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted.
Vrishchikam - The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season. Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc. are conducted.
Kumbam - The annual festival of the temple comes in Kumbham. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star.
Navarathri aghosham: - is a famous festival, which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted.
Anna Prasam or Choroonu: - Choroonu' in Kerala is usually performed when the baby is 140-168 days old, that is between his/her 5th and 6th month, calculated according to the Malayalam calendar.